June 21, 2005
| HIKERS – John Bellamy, Jean Callihan, Ray Hopper, Jack Jacobi, Steve Jordan, Bob Magee, Brenda Neafsey, Pat Neafsey, Bob Presley, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Doug Russell, Bill Taylor, David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker.
TRAIL INFO. – Today’s hike included a couple of trails near Highlands, NC. First we hiked the Whiteside Mountain Trail which is a spectacular 2 mile loop up and along the rock cliffs at the top of Whiteside Mountain. Next, we traveled across town to the Chinquapin Mountain Trail and did 4.2 miles mostly as a loop up to the summit of the mountain which also has some spectacular mountiain views from rock-face over-looks. Total round trip hiking distance combined – 6.2 miles Trail difficulty rating: Moderate with moderate elevation change. Directions: Whiteside Mountain is between Highlands and Cashiers off of Hwy 64 turn onto Whiteside Mtn. Rd and go about 1 mile to the parking lot. Chinquapin Mountain Trail is approximately 2 miles south of Highlands off of Hwy 106 turn at the Glen Falls sign and park at the Glen Falls / Chinquapin Mountain trail-head. Another great day for a hike! Mostly to partly cloudy with temperatures ranging from the low 60’s to the low 70’s. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: Galax, Meadow Rue, Mountain Laurel, Goat’s Beard, Tall Bluet, Regular Bluet, Rhododendron minor, Cinquefoil, Yarrow, Fire Pink, Carrion Flower, Spider Wort, Solomon Seal, Hawk Weed, Saxaphrage, Milk Weed, Pale Corydalis, Flame Azalea, Cow Wheat, Sweet Azalea, Sundrops, Indian Pipes, Indian Physic and Squaw Root.
BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Birds: Pine Warbler, Towhee, Rosebreasted Grosbeak, Pileated Woodpecker, Titmouse, Ovenbird, Hooded Warbler, Black Throated Blue Warbler, Nuthatch, Blue Jay. |
 Most of the area was too foggy to get good views but we were able to see a few nice views on the west side of the mountain. |
 This rock ledge had some nice Mountain Laurels blooming. |
 Even with the clouds, the views were worthwhile! |
 We saw some outstanding Flame Azaleas! |
 Now over to Chinquapin Mountain loop trail. |
 Early into the hike, we walk a log to cross the creek. |
 The trail meanders across this beautiful creek at least five times. |
 This is the first look-out that we come to at the top of Chinquapin Mountain. |
 Several nice photo opportunities along the ridge of Chinquapin. |
 Nice mountain view including Rabun Bald in the background! |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (Kneeling l-r) Pat Neafsey, David Whitaker, Bob Presley, and Tony Presley. (standing l-r) Doug Russell, Geri Whitaker, Ray Hopper, Donna Presley, Steve Jordan, Brenda Neafsey, John Bellamy, Jean Callihan, Bill Taylor, Jack Jacobi, Bob Magee. |